Julie Legg and Jel Legg chat about ADHD and Impulsivity – an ADHD trait that is interconnected with many others such as impatience, risk taking, and interrupting.
They delve into the role of impulsivity in ADHD, sharing personal experiences and insights on how it shapes their daily lives. They explore how impulsive actions—often driven by a need for dopamine—can impact finances, relationships, and decision-making. Through examples ranging from impulsive purchases to hasty reactions at work, they highlight the challenges of managing impulsivity and share practical strategies, like taking a moment to pause and creating “game plans,” to help channel these impulses more positively.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Definition and Traits: Impulsivity is acting without thinking about the consequences, a distinct behavior from spontaneity, which allows more time for reflection. Impulsivity often appears as impatience, risk-taking, interrupting, and quick reactions.
- Examples of Impulsive Actions: They share personal examples of impulsive decisions, from minor actions (like breaking an item by not pausing to think) to major life choices, such as quitting jobs or making big purchases without adequate planning.
- Dopamine Drive: Impulsivity in ADHD is often driven by a need for dopamine, with impulsive actions providing a rush—whether through quick purchases, emotional responses, or risky behaviors.
- Financial and Emotional Consequences: Impulsive shopping can lead to debt, while hasty reactions in relationships or at work can cause conflicts. Impulsivity also influences behaviors like road rage, gambling, and risky driving decisions.
- Strategies to Curb Impulsivity: To manage impulsivity, they suggest techniques like taking a moment to pause, creating “game plans,” and setting boundaries for commitments. Slowing down can help counter impulsive tendencies and prevent regret.
- Long-Term Impacts and Overcoming Challenges: Years of impulsive actions can lead to guilt and avoidance of decision-making. They note that strategies like following safety routines can help manage impulsivity in high-risk situations.
- Impulsivity as a Core ADHD Trait: Julie and Jel reflect on impulsivity as a central part of ADHD, affecting daily actions and decisions, while acknowledging that learned strategies can help them channel impulsive energy more positively.
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